First Nations Health Authority

11/21/2025

"In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) partnered with BC Cancer, Uut Uustukyuu Society, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and ʔuukʷinkpanač to host a three-day mobile breast screening event from October 28–30, at the Tla-o-qui-aht Health Centre in Ty-Histanis. The event reflected the partners' shared goal of reducing barriers to care and improving access to preventive health services for Indigenous peoples."

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) partnered with BC Cancer, Uut Uustukyuu Society, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, and ʔuukʷinkpanač to host a three-day mobile breast screening event from October 28–30, at...

11/21/2025

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance.

11/21/2025

Antimicrobial Awareness Week: Why ‘less is more’ when it comes to handwashing

What is AMR and why does it matter?

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines that are designed to kill them, making infections harder or even impossible to treat. This resistance jeopardizes modern medicine and increases the risk of disease spread, severe illness and even death.

Read our Antimicrobial Awareness Week message here: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/antimicrobial-awareness-week-why-less-is-more-when-it-comes-to-handwashing

11/19/2025

Set a reminder for this panel discussion next week hosted by the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

Join the event virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (PT), for an "It Starts With Us" session featuring a panel discussion exploring how curriculum in the Faculty of Medicine can be transformed to better reflect Indigenization, decolonization, and inclusion.

Register here: https://redi.med.ubc.ca/transforming-health-for-everyone-strengthening-medical-curriculum-in-an-era-of-truth-reconciliation-and-inclusion/

11/19/2025

FYI.

⚠️ Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has issued a drug alert. ⚠️

Multiple samples (brown or yellow pebbles, blue or purple granules) sold as down in Vancouver tested positive for fentanyl and/or fluorofentanyl and medetomidine, a non-opioid tranquilizer more toxic than xylazine. May cause low heart rate and prolonged sedation.

The health and safety of our community is our priority. As we continue to be in a community-wide health state of emergency, please stay safe and informed:

➡️ Check your drugs at vch.ca/en/service/drug-checking
➡️ Keep up to date on alerts at towardtheheart.com/alerts
➡️ If you need support or would like more details concerning existing community resources such as drug checking, men’s and women’s circles, and accessing harm reduction and safe use supplies, please visit www.squamish.net/toxic-drug-crisis
➡️ Attend Yúustway’s drug checking drop-in every Wednesday, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, by Ikwiks and Kwumkwum (under the bridge), and every Friday, from 1:15 – 3:15 pm, Lower Capilano Road and Lawa Road - next to Estítkw Place

For questions, please contact the Yúustway (Health & Wellness) team at wellness@squamish.net, or Juhi Tayal at 236-788-1977.

11/18/2025

Make a difference in the Interior Region of B.C.

We’re hiring Employed Student Nurses to support health centres in Lillooet, Lytton, Neskonlith, or Yunesit'in/Tl'esqox.

Housing is available at all sites except Neskonlith.

Work alongside experienced Community Health Nurses, provide direct care, and contribute to meaningful health programming to First Nations communities in the Interior region.

This is a valuable opportunity to build your skills while serving rural and First Nations communities.

Application deadline: November 30.

View the full posting here: https://workwithus.fnha.ca/

11/17/2025

Demolition of the Christie Residential School: A Day of Healing and Strength

Survivors, families, community members and leaders recently gathered on m̓aackʷiiʔatḥ (Matsquiaht) on Meares Island to witness the demolition of the last three buildings of the former Christie Residential School. Hosted by the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht) Nation, the event marked a historic step toward healing at a site where generations of First Nations children were taken from their homes and families.

Read the full post here: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/demolition-of-the-christie-residential-school-a-day-of-healing-and-strength

11/15/2025

Talk to a doc! Do you have any health care questions you’d like to ask one of our doctors or nurses? Reply to this post or send a direct message and we will try and have one of our clinical staff members answer your question with a video message. If your question is pressing, be sure to speak to your primary care provider or contact the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day.

11/14/2025

Chief Chad Paul, Ches kin xen Siyam of Sts’ailes and Alex Paul, P’cheel, welcomed attendees at the first day of the Fraser Salish Regional Caucus November 12, 2025 held at Sts’ailes First Nation.

The Caucus provides a key opportunity for Fraser Salish First Nations Health Leaders to engage in conversations and focus on health governance and health services with an overarching vision to drive transformation and improve the health and wellness of Fraser Salish First Nations.

“Sometimes it’s like we’re hitting a brick wall,” Chief Chad shared, acknowledging how hard it can be to see the results of the efforts day to day, “but when you look back, we’re doing it together.”

The Caucus offered onsite health screening, information sharing, and space for cultural sharing. Alex Paul, P’cheel and Sasquatch Dancers of Sts’ailes shared a paddle song, eagle song and sasquatch dance.

The Fraser Salish Region has sought opportunities to enhance the Caucus by having a graphic artist capturing conversations visually, committed to ensuring that these important conversations, wisdom shared, and voices, are heard and documented. Topics included evolution of the governance structure, traditional wellness and Nation-led innovation projects.

The FNHA was excited to invite members of a new program to the Caucus. Jennifer Cameron is one of four Status Card Administrators, part of a new program in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) that aims to make it easier for First Nations people in BC to register for Indian Status and apply for a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card.

Jennifer and her colleagues will help individuals to fill out forms, take photos, and submit applications directly to ISC in order to avoid common delays, all services provided at no cost. Watch for this team at Health Fairs and other events throughout the year or email StatusCards@fnha.ca for more information.

11/14/2025

"It is important to know that you can live a healthy, balanced, and full life while managing diabetes – and that you can take ownership and control as the lead in your management. It is your body, it is your wellness. With the right supports and care, you can continue to enjoy your culture, community, and the activities that bring you joy."

Read our World Diabetes Day message here: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/check-to-protect-on-world-diabetes-day

11/14/2025